Confucius The Analects
In the Analects, Confucius gives readers certain guidelines regarding how government and kingship should conduct itself. Through his descriptive text Confucius breaks down many aspects of the expectations of ruling forces. Confucius embodies a sense of traditional and moral values that shine through in his writings. His conservative view appears throughout the Analects as Confucius outlines his guidelines regarding a legitimate, successful government, and the qualities of a good king.
Confucius outlines the government as consisting of three major practices: filiality, humaneness, and ritual decorum. These practices which Confucius describes traditionally contain very conservative and moral ideologies. All three practices stress the importance of moral values such as peaceful, egalitarian interactions, respect and concern for others, and dignity. Confucius stems out to expand his definitions of the three practices, but the main traditional concepts remain the same.
Filiality involves placing great importance on the care one has of their family members, and treating non-family members as if they were part of their family. Confucius found this practice extremely important in society, and believed that if everyone was "filial and friendly toward one's brother", it would have its effect on the government and influence it in a positive way ( 47). Filiality, according to Confucius was a very important key to a harmonious government. As Confucius wrote "A young man is to be filial within his family and respectful outside it. He is to be earnest and faithful, overflowing in his love for living beings and intimate with those who are humane" (45). This idealistic view embraces the moral ideologies that Confucius sought after. While some governments rely on enforcing strict, unfair rules to achieve a successful government, they often result in unrest and violence. Confucius promotes ethical goodness for a perfect...
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